Communism Under Mao Zedong

The Communists set up the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949. They wanted to transform China from an agricultural society into a modern industrial nation. Under communism, literacy increased, old landlord and business classes were eliminated, and rural Chinese were provided with health care.

Communist China Under Mao Industrialized China Increased literacy Class privileges ended Rural Chinese received health care One-party dictatorship Denied people basic rights and freedoms --> Inner Mongolia, Tibet

The Great Leap Forward

A Campaign Against the “FOUR OLDS” Old Thoughts Old Culture Old Customs Old Habits To Rebel Is Good!

In 1958, Mao launched a program called the Great Leap Forward. He called on the people of China to increase agricultural and industrial output. To make farms more productive, he created communes, groups of people who live and work together.

The Great Leap Forward Families in a people’s commune eating in communal dining hall

Pictures of work on a commune

The Great Leap Forward ultimately failed. Commune-based industries turned out poorly made goods. At the same time, agricultural output declined. Bad weather added to the downturn, creating widespread famine.

The Great Leap Forward - Consequences The Great Leap Forward is now widely seen, both within China and outside as a major economic disaster effectively being a "Great Leap Backward" that would affect China in the years to come Overall, the Great Leap Forward was a disaster.

Propaganda of the Great Leap Forward

Propaganda of the Great Leap Forward

Propaganda of the Great Leap Forward

Propaganda of the Great Leap Forward

Propaganda Poster

Go among the workers, peasants and soldiers, and into the thick of struggle! 1967-1972

Propaganda Poster

Propaganda Poster

Propaganda Poster

The Cultural Revolution & The Red Guard

Mao’s Little Red Book was published by the Government of the People's Republic of China from April 1964 until 1976. collection of quotations excerpted from Mao Zedong's past speeches and publications requirement for every Chinese citizen to own, to read, and to carry it at all times during the later half of Mao's rule, especially during the Cultural Revolution.

Red Guards Role in the Cultural Revolution The role of Red Guard was mainly to attack the "Four Olds" of society, that is what is believed to be old ideas, cultures, habits, and customs of China at the time. Red Guards in Beijing and elsewhere in China had taken to the streets from their schools. They made posters, speeches, criticized Party leaders, and some committed violent acts in the name of the Cultural Revolution.

In 1966, Mao launched the Cultural Revolution to renew people’s loyalty to communism and establish a more equitable society. Mao feared that revolutionary peasants and workers were being replaced by intellectuals in running the country.

He shut down schools and universities throughout China and urged Chinese students to experience the revolution for themselves. Students formed groups of fighters called the Red Guards. They attacked professors, government officials, and factory managers, many of whom were exiled or executed.

Propaganda of Cultural Revolution

What is the goal of the “Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution”? “to topple those in power taking the capitalist road” To attack “4 olds” (customs, habits, culture, thinking) Who is intended to carry out this revolution? “the broad sectors of workers, peasants, soldiers…” Who is expected to resist? those in the Party “taking the capitalist road”

United States Recognition of Communist China

Due to the fears of communism during the early stages of the Cold War, the United States refused to recognize the People’s Republic of China. By the 1970s, however, this situation was changing. China won admission into the United Nations in 1971 and President Richard Nixon visited Mao Zedong in Beijing in 1972.

Finally, in 1979, the United States officially recognized the People’s Republic of China.

Communism Under Deng Xiaoping

Mao and Zhou Died in 1976 Turning point in China’s postwar era “Gang of Four” were arrested End of the Cultural Revolution

In 1976, Mao Zedong died and Deng Xiaping took control. His leadership would bring more economic freedom but little political change.

Economic Reforms: The Four Modernizations

He also introduced the Four Modernizations: To make China a more modern country, Deng promoted foreign trade and more contact with western nations. He also introduced the Four Modernizations: Farming – methods were modernized and mechanized Industry – was upgraded and expanded Science and Technology – were promoted and developed Defense – systems and military forces were improved

Limited Privatization Deng eliminated Mao’s unpopular communes. He allowed land to be leased to individual farmers. This system increased agricultural output. The government also allowed some private businesses to produce goods and offer services.

Foreign Investment Deng also welcomed foreign technology and capital. The government set up special enterprise zones where foreigners could own and operate businesses.

Results of Economic Reforms Deng’s policies had both positive and negative results. The economy grew, and some Chinese enjoyed a better standard of living. Foreign relations and trade improved. Crime and corruption grew, however, and the gap between rich and poor widened.

Tiananmen Square

The government was willing to grant economic reforms but not political ones. In May 1989, demonstrators in Beijing occupied Tiananmen Square, demanding more rights and freedoms. When they refused to disperse as ordered, the government sent in troops and tanks.

Thousands of Chinese were killed or wounded. The incident showed how important it was for China’s communist leaders to maintain control. During the 1990s efforts were made to force China to end human rights violations. However, to date, these efforts have had limited effects.

Return of Hong Kong

In 1842, Britain had gained the island of Hong Kong, off the northern coast of China. In the 1980s, Britain and China decided that Hong Kong would return to Chinese rule in 1997. China agreed not to change Hong Kong’s social or economic system for 50 years and to allow the island a degree of self-rule.

The island was officially turned over to China on July 1, 1997.

The Role of Women: Communist China Compared To Dynastic China

Traditionally, in Dynastic China, women were treated as inferior to men. The only role for a woman was that of a wife. In Communist China, however, women gained some rights. Under the new Chinese constitution, women won equality under the law.

They now were expected to work alongside men on farms and in factories. However, only a few women had top jobs in government and commonly were not paid the same as men for doing the same work.

SUMMARY The Communists, under Mao Zedong, rose to power in China after World War II. Their appeal to peasants and to women, their superior army, and lack of support for the Nationalists led to victory for the Communists. The communist government severely restricted the rights and freedoms of most Chinese. Later leaders, such as Deng Xiaoping, allowed free market reforms but little political freedom. Violations of human rights in China have often made relations with China and the United States difficult.